At a Glance
- USDP claims 88 of 102 lower house seats in first phase.
- Election split into three phases; 65 townships excluded due to fighting.
- Military holds 25% of seats automatically; 24 million eligible voters, 35% fewer than 2020.
- Why it matters: The results shape who will choose Myanmar’s president and government.
Myanmar’s first general election in five years is unfolding in three phases amid ongoing armed conflicts. The first phase, held on Sunday, covered 102 of the country’s 330 townships, while 65 townships were excluded because of fighting.
Election Phases and Voter Context
Voting is split into three phases: the first on Sunday, the second on Jan. 11 and the third on Jan. 25. 65 townships are not participating due to conflict.
- First phase: 102 townships
- Remaining phases: Jan. 11 & Jan. 25
- Excluded townships: 65
USDP’s Claimed Victory
A senior USDP official, speaking anonymously, said the party has won 88 of the 102 lower house seats contested in the first phase. The same official claimed the party captured 85% of contested seats in regional legislatures and won all constituencies in Naypyitaw.
USDP official stated:
> We have won 88 seats of the 102 lower house seats contested in the first phase.
Military and Parliamentary Structure
Myanmar has a two-house legislature totaling 664 seats. The military automatically receives 25% of seats in each house. Final results are expected by late January. Voter turnout for the first phase has not been announced, and opposition groups are calling for a boycott.
- Total seats: 664
- Military seats: 25%
- Final results: late January
- Turnout: not announced
- Boycott: called by opposition
Human Rights Concerns and Violence
Human rights and opposition groups say the election is neither free nor fair, and that power is likely to remain with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 army takeover. The National League for Democracy was dissolved in 2023, along with 39 other parties. The 2021 takeover sparked a civil war. Armed groups attacked polling stations and government buildings in 11 townships during the first phase, injuring five people.
- Election not free/fair
- Power likely stays with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing
- NLD dissolved 2023
- 2021 takeover triggered civil war
- 11 townships attacked, 5 injured
Key Takeaways
- USDP leads with 88 of 102 seats in the first phase.
- Military holds 25% of parliamentary seats automatically.
- Violence and boycotts raise doubts about the election’s legitimacy.
The ongoing conflict and contested results underscore the uncertainty surrounding Myanmar’s political future.
